The Newest Weapon Against Dental Caries and Gum Disease

Brush more, floss more, use automated toothbrushes, a water pik, sulcular antibiotics? What if I told you that mechanical removal of bad bacteria might not be enough to ensure optimal oral health in everyone. After all, if simple removal of bacteria was beneficial then mouth washes would rein supreme chemical adjunct to mechanical removal. The problem is that this chemical warfare kills all types of oral bacteria, including the good! The potential issue is that problems can become worse because good bacteria are targeted and reduced and numbers can decline to levels that allow bad bacteria to take over. What if the war on bad bacteria could be won by target warfare by out numbering them! It is time to consider adding friendly bacteria to the mix.

Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria) thought to be healthy for the host organism. According to the currently adopted definition by the World Health Organization, probiotics are: “Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.” Lactic acid bacteria (lactobacillus) (L. acidophilus) and bifidobacteria are the most common types of microbes used as probiotics and have been widely accepted in the medical profession. The benefits of probiotics are decreased hypertension, managing lactose intolerance, lowering cholesterol, overall GI health, and soon to be added is improved periodontal health and caries prevention.

The EvoraPro System of oral care products contains a formulation of ProBiora3, a probiotic blend of beneficial bacteria, found in naturally healthy human mouths, S. oralis KJ3, S. uberis KJ2, S. rattus JH145. ProBiora3 was developed from basic research started more than thirty years ago at the Harvard-affiliated Forsyth Institute by Jeffrey Hillman, DMD, PhD. This body of research has shown that in diseased mouths, these three beneficial strains had virtually disappeared. It is delivered in a form of a dissolving mint that, in addition to the probiotics, also contains xylitol – a proven bad bacteria reducer.

Dental Caries Prevention

As a dentist I advise patients to avoid sugar to prevent caries. Have you ever wondered why some patients’ diets are loaded with sugar, and yet they are relatively caries free, while others partake in a diet only light with sugar (substrate) and they are highly caries active?

Here is the truth when it comes to caries. It isn’t the sugar that causes cavities but how streptococcus bacteria use sugar and produce lactic acid that causes decay. Thus patients whose bacteria war is being won by the bad bacteria will have more decay than those where the bad bacteria is kept at lower levels. What can be done? Streptococcus rattus JH145 is a unique strain of streptococcus that does not produce lactic acid, and has been shown to successfully compete for nutrients and space on tooth surfaces with the native strain of Streptococcus mutans that produces lactic acid. The result is a reduction in decay despite the potential presence of sugar (substrate) in the oral environment.

S. oralis KJ3, and S. uberis KJ2 produce hydrogen peroxide, which aids in inhibition of periodontal pathogens that cause gum disease. The ability to reduce these types of harmful bacteria in return results in a reduction of pathogenic biofilm on the teeth. The patients who suffer from periodontal disease, or who have poor results from traditional periodontal treatment now have a new conservative approach which might provide them results they were previously unable to achieve with contemporary treatments alone. Research has shown there is an unintended cosmetic benefit from this hydrogen peroxide production. Now patients can have whiter enamel from using a daily oral mint.

The benefits to probiotics in oral health care are endless. Patients who have been susceptible to health breakdown due to age related or medically induced changes can now have a conservative treatment to help reverse these issues. Patients who undergo extensive dental treatment such as implants, veneers, full mouth rehabilitations, or even are currently undergoing orthodontic therapy now have a simple treatment to aid in the protection of their dental investment.

The science and research on probiotic therapy for overall health and well being is constantly advancing in new areas and uncovering new benefits. The probiotic benefits for oral health are an exciting and newly expanding area of this type of therapy.

The breath mint industries annual retail sales are approximately $3.7 billion dollars. The obvious patient demand for fresher breath is apparent. How about a mint that not only tastes good and freshens breath, but allows for reduction in caries and periodontal disease?

The good news is that you can now get EvoraPro atGentle Family Dentistry in Duncansville, PA

Legal CMA Disclaimer:

Although this article may contain factual information, the information contained in this article has probably not been evaluated by the FDA nor is it in any way intended to be medical advice.

Unfortunately I must recommend that for any change in medical or health behavior or for any change in the way you use prescribed drugs by your healthcare providers or before acting upon any of the advice given in this or any other article, that you consult with your licensed healthcare provider or physician.

Dr. Locker and his friendly, knowledgeable staff invite you to call Gentle Family Dentistry in Duncansville, PA for the greatest, most advanced, painless dental experience you have ever had.

You can call us at: 814-693-6777 or just click the link to go to our webpage for more information.: www.gfdentistry.com